Diagnosed 4 Oct - left breast mastectomy 10 days later with axillary clearance, 5 out of 11 nodes malignant. Started chemo on Friday, today is Day 3 & so far I feel OK - just very fatigued & having little waves of nausea reminiscent of morning sickness. I have no children, I'm turning 41 next month. My passions are my life, my relationship with my partner, family & friends, our new home, our dog & riding motorcycles. I've been reluctant to communicate with anyone face to face & have only chatted to Glenys so far, as well as a school friend on Facebook, about her cancer experience. I think that as much as I've begun accepting what has happened to me in the last few weeks, I'm still in an adjustment phase, where I can't yet comfortably label myself. I still just want to be ME, without this. Denial! At the same time I'm extremely optimistic & have met some wonderful medical people on the ride so far. Good luck to all who are now members of this club.
Walshey - 41, no kids, DCIS & lymph nodes, left breast mastectomy
the Click Researcher
The Click Project Coordinator
Daughter-in-law and niece of breast cancer "thrivers"!
The Click Breast Care Nurse
Hi Glenys - well I thought my first session was a breeze at first. I had only very mild nausea in the first couple of days, Days 3 & 4 I was fatigued but that was about it. Then I got some very bad news - had to race down to Bunbury last Monday (19th Nov) as my Mum was in hospital - she passed away at 5pm that evening. After making funeral arrangements with my family the next morning, Kev & I returned to Perth. I was feeling increasingly unwell with a sore throat, the chills & then hot - temperature hit 38 so off we went to SJOG Ward 35, where I was put on antibiotic IV drips - temp fluctuated up & down, as high as 39.2 & there was some debate I'd be allowed out for Mum's funeral on Friday. Managed to get temps down for 6 times in a row at observation, so they allowed me to go to Bunbury JUST for the service, I got straight back in the car & was back in hospital that evening. CANNULAS SUCK. Ive had a hard time with them. I was discharged on Sunday at lunch time & have been taking things very quietly at home since, because I'm due for chemo session number 2 on Friday. All the nursing staff have assured me not to presume this will be my typical experience; they seem to think I became neutropenic first go probably due to the stress I was under with Mum. So to answer your question - the first time hasn't been easy. I may check in this evening. Thx for writing.
Walshey - 41, no kids, DCIS & lymph nodes, left breast mastectomy
The Click Breast Care Nurse